Bishops repent for past behaviour of churches

The Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops of Ferns diocese have asked forgiveness for their churches' past behaviour towards each other.

In a joint pastoral letter Dr Brendan Comiskey and the Right Rev John Neill have reflected how, after the Reformation, a "very unecumenical and indeed unchristian situation lasted for centuries and involved much conflict and bitterness".

"Our churches were more enemies than friends; our differences were stressed more than the vast expanse of common ground between us; we barely spoke to each other as Christians and as churches, being slow to even acknowledge each other as members of the Church of Christ."

This came to an end chiefly through the Second Vatican Council, they said, and "we are now fully embarked on a common Christian journey towards full unity in faith and doctrine".

They said relationships between the churches, especially in Ferns, "have undergone a sea-change and are now notable for their depth and warmth. This joint letter is testimony to that fact."

They could not "but feel called to ask God's and each other's forgiveness for the many divisive, wounding and unchristian attitudes, policies and practices" in both churches since the Reformation. "We each express true repentance on behalf of our own church for these hurtful and damaging words and deeds . . ."

They were "confident in faith that our two churches will continue to walk together and move ever closer to the ultimate goal of full visible unity".

The bishops led a pilgrimage from St Aidan's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Enniscorthy to St Edan's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Ferns yesterday.